Primary Curriculum

General Principles

The Bemrose Primary phase has a bespoke curriculum which is ambitious, broad, and balanced which engages children in rich and relevant learning experiences. Our curriculum aspires to develop well-rounded future citizens who possess the reading, writing, oracy and maths skills necessary to become independent, resilient, positive and successful learners.

Foundation Stage

Our foundation stage curriculum is based on the three prime areas; Communication and Language, Physical Development and Personal, Social and Emotional Development, the four specific areas of learning; Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World and Expressive Arts and Design, and the three characteristics of effective learning; Playing and Exploring, Active Learning and Creating and Thinking Critically. The assessment of these areas will be based on ongoing observations.

Years 1 and 2 (Key Stage 1)

We offer the core national curriculum subjects; English, Mathematics and Science. We also offer the following foundation subjects at Key Stage 1; Art and Design, Computing, Design and Technology, Geography, History, Music and Physical Education. In addition to this we also offer the statutory subject of Religious Education at Key Stage 1. Our curriculum will be taught through a ‘Creative Curriculum’ approach.

Years 3, 4, 5 & 6 (Key Stage 2)

Children working within Key Stage 2 will be offered the core national curriculum subjects; English, Mathematics and Science. We also offer the following foundation subjects at Key Stage 2; Art and Design, Citizenship, Computing, Design and Technology, Foreign Language (Spanish and French), Geography, History, Music and Physical Education. In addition to this we also offer the statutory subject of Religious Education at Key Stage 2. Our curriculum will be taught through a ‘Creative Curriculum’ approach.

Please click on the links below for a more detailed breakdown of what each year group studies over the year.

Support for Learning

We pride ourselves on the quality and extent of the support we offer to students with learning, language, communication and behavioural problems, The Bemrose School is a truly inclusive school.

We believe that interesting and challenging homework can make a vital contribution to our students’/children’s learning. Homework is set once a week for the national curriculum core subjects English and Mathematics, extended projects linked to the children’s curriculum themes will be set and form the basis of their homework at certain times of the year. Daily reading is also encouraged. Parents play a vital part by showing an interest, providing a quiet place for their children to work and supporting them to present their work to a high standard and on time. These two requirements are essential ingredients of future employability.

An Enriched Learning Experience

We believe that activities outside the classroom can enrich and extend our students’ learning. We offer a full range of clubs at lunchtime and after school including ICT, Drama, Reading, Science, Sign Language, sports clubs to name but a few. Our students/children enjoy many visits to museums and theatres, both locally and further afield.

Phonics Scheme

At The Bemrose Primary Phase we follow the Read, Write Inc phonics and spelling scheme. Read Write Inc. provides a structured and systematic approach to teaching literacy. It is designed to create fluent readers, confident speakers and willing writers.

Each Read Write Inc. programme meets the higher expectations of the National Curriculum and uses effective assessment to accelerate every child’s progress and prepare them for the National Curriculum Tests.

Spelling scheme (Years 2 – 6)

We also follow the Read Write Inc. Spelling scheme for Years 2 to 6 as it has been specially created to meet the higher demands of the national curriculum and it links in with our phonics scheme.  Spelling rules are introduced by aliens from an exciting online spelling planet. Children are prepared for the Key Stage 1 and 2 National Curriculum Spelling Tests. For more information and examples please follow this link;

Multiplication Table Check (MTC)

In Year 4 the children are required to complete a Multiplication Table Check. It is an assessment that the children will complete in June each academic year. It became a statutory requirement in 2021/2022.

The MTC is an online test where the pupils are asked 25 questions on times tables 2 to 12. For every question you have 6 seconds to answer and in between the questions there is a 3-second rest. Questions about the 6, 7, 8, 9, and 12 times table come up more often. The questions are generated randomly based on the rules of the MTC.

At The Bemrose School we have a calculations policy in place, within the policy it makes it clear the progression of learning timetables and what the expectations are for each year group. As the children move into Year 4, time is dedicated to using the MTC app and practicing the skills to complete the check online.

For more information about the Multiplication Table Check please click on the link below;

Multiplication tables check: information for parents – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Learning times tables is a skill that the children use throughout the maths curriculum. We encourage the children to practice their times tables at home, we believe it is a skill they will need and use in life. We use TTrockstars as a great tool to practice times tables both at school and at home. Your child’s log in details are in their reading record. Please use the link below to login in and take a look:

Times Tables Rock Stars: Play (ttrockstars.com)